Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev believes team India should not think much about fitness issues related to star opener Shikhar Dhawan, who suffered thumb injury during India's clash against Australia on 9th June at London and should focus entirely on the next game against New Zealand at Nottingham today.
The star opener during his 117-run innings was hit by Pat Cummins' delivery which injured his thumb because of which he wasn't able to come and field during Australia's innings. On Tuesday, he was declared unfit to participate in the team's next three games at least.
Speaking at the launch of fantasy sports platform – Apne11, 1983 World Cup winning skipper said: "We should remain positive. There is a possibility that the replacement may turn out to be better than him (Dhawan)."
"It's unfortunate to miss such an experienced campaigner at the start but I just hope whosoever is the next one in line is better equipped than him," he said.
It is believed that in absence of Shikhar, KL Rahul will be asked to open the innings with Rohit Sharma and there is a fair share of opinion about who will bat at No 4 position.
The former captain said that he didn't want to comment on the same and create confusion. "The decision to replace is something that the team management has to take and the same goes with the batting order. I would not like to comment and create confusion talking about the replacement because this decision will be made by the selectors and the skipper. Batting order would also be decided by the captain. We can just expect whosoever comes in, is one better than the previous."
India has so far dominated the tournament with two dominating wins in as many games against strong opponents like South Africa and Australia and Kapil is happy by the show so far and expects team to continue perform the same way.
"I am very happy with the way the side has performed and expect them to play like this only throughout the tournament. Both were big matches and I hope they would carry the same spirit throughout the tournament," Kapil said.
He also applauded Hardik Pandya's performance against Australia where the Baroda all-rounder was promoted up the order to bat at No 4 after Dhawan's departure and he smashed 27-ball 48 which consists of three sixes and four boundaries.
However he still considers him as a batting all-rounder and expects him to make bit more contributions with the bowl. "For me he is a batting all-rounder but I would suggest him to keep improving his bowling as well. And if he can do that, he will turn into a great team man which is more important," he said.
"As for Yuvraj's (Singh), he was one of best player team India ever had and deserves a farewell. Retirement of such player like this was not expected. He was elegant and I wish our youngsters play like him."
